Obituary
Byron Steven Crawford Sr. was born September 28, 1970 to the late Ronald and Naomi (White) Crawford Sr. He has two siblings, the late Ronald Crawford Jr. and Darryl Crawford. As a young child, Byron was daring and adventurous with a sparkling affectionate personality.
Byron was educated through the Philadelphia School District and graduated from Martin Luther King High School in 1988. He worked various jobs after high school including UPS where he was promoted to management. He worked for UPS for 10 years. In 1998, Byron took his management skills to Yellow Freight where he continued to work for 25 years until his passing.
In 1985, Byron met the love of his life,Charlene Grant. The two met at North West Youth in Action Summer camp. Although Charlene was not allowed boyfriends, she named him her “Special Friend.” In 1988, Byron accepted the call of God and asked Jesus to be his Lord and Savior. He joined New Covenant Church of Philadelphia where he was baptized.
On May 18, 1996 Byron made his “Special Friend” his wife. The two families UNITED and became one. Byron and Charlene have three amazing children from their union:Byron Jr. (BJ), Ana, and Naomi. Byron was a proud husband and father. He loved his family. He was not a man of many words in conversation but enjoyed talking about his wife and kids giving advice when asked.
Affectionately known as “B” was an all-around great guy. He loved his Philadelphia Sports Teams. His wardrobe always included some kind of Philadelphia's paraphernalia from jerseys to hats. He loved cooking every weekend no matter the weather. If it was a sunny day, you could find him in the backyard on the grill. Byron loved all kinds of music. He passed that passion on to his three children. Favored genres encompassed Old School Hip Hop, R&B, Rock, and Jazz. His favorite artists were Michael Jackson and the Beatles.
“B” had a contagious smile and laugh that you found yourself caught in. If he didn’t agree with you he would look at you with one eyebrow raised. Byron expressed his love language by giving. He found a way to see and fulfill the needs of others. He will always be remembered as an amazing husband, father, son, brother, nephew, cousin, and caring friend.
Byron leaves for us to cherish, his beloved wife Charlene Grant Crawford; one son Byron Crawford Jr. (BJ); two daughters Ana and Naomi Crawford; five god-children Katelynn Rudolph, Lashea Bullock, Brandon Henry, Janis Wilson-Bey, and David Wilson-Bey Jr.; one brother Darryl Crawford (Adia); mother-in-love Cynthia Grant Cornish (Dwayne); sister-in-love Cassandra Davis (Idris); three nephews Kenneth Davis (Kenny); Joshua and Darryl Crawford Jr; four Aunts Jennifer Crawford-Reid (Willie), Gwendolyn Crawford, Gloria Walthorne, Velma Hines (Donnell) ; three Uncles Gregory Crawford, Andrew Whitley and Daniel White; sister/cousin Shalonda Smith (Jermaine), Milton Crawford (Sherri), David Whaley (Karla) Robert Whaley (Patricia), Selma Grant, Shawn Grant, Joseph Grant, Samantha Grant, Velitta Walthorne; a host of cousins, extended family, and friends.